Discover the worst days to drive this Thanksgiving — AAA reveals how to overtake these traffic nightmares!
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Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and, let's face it, some of the most notorious traffic jams of the year. Many people are rushing to get home, catch flights, and spend time with their loved ones.
As the scent of pumpkin pie and turkey fills the air, so does the collective groan of millions of Americans stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Is there a way to navigate the holiday rush with ease and grace?
According to AAA, the transportation advocacy group that has been guiding travelers for over a century, Thanksgiving 2024 is shaping up to be a record-breaker.
An estimated 80 million people are expected to journey by car, plane, or train to gather with loved ones—a 1.7 million increase from the previous year. With such a surge in travel, knowing when to hit the road and when to enjoy another slice of pie at home is crucial.
If you're planning to travel by car, you'll want to mark your calendar with some strategic planning. AAA, in collaboration with transportation data experts INRIX, has pinpointed the days and times when traffic will likely be at its peak.
The Tuesday (11/26) and Wednesday (11/27) afternoons before Thanksgiving are expected to be particularly congested. It seems everyone has the same idea: leave work early and beat the rush.
Unfortunately, this mass exodus creates the very traffic we're all trying to avoid. If you must travel on these days, aim to complete your journey before 10 a.m. EST, when the roads are still relatively clear.
As for the return journey, the early bird doesn't necessarily get the worm. Friday morning, between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., is predicted to be a hotbed of traffic as people rush to return home.
The roads should become more manageable after 1 p.m., so consider taking that time to digest your Thanksgiving feast a bit longer before setting off.
If you're planning to leave on Saturday, be wary of the 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. window, as it's prime time for traffic jams. Departing before 1 p.m. is your best bet for a smoother ride.
Monday, the day after Thanksgiving weekend, is expected to be the grand finale of traffic troubles. With holiday travelers merging with the regular Monday morning commuters, the roads will be a symphony of honking horns and brake lights. If Monday is your day of departure, either leave before the rooster crows (before 8 a.m.) or wait until the evening lull (after 7 p.m.).
Interestingly, the best time to travel might just be on Thanksgiving Day itself. While it may seem counterintuitive, most people prefer to have their travel wrapped up by the time the turkey is carved. This leaves the roads more open for those willing to drive on the holiday.
Of course, these recommendations come with a catch: weather can be a wildcard. Snow, rain, and other inclement conditions can throw a wrench in the best-laid plans. Always check the local forecasts before solidifying your itinerary.
And for those in or traveling through major metropolitan areas, expect the unexpected. Traffic delays are a given, so stay informed with traffic apps or local news updates.
Before you embark on your Thanksgiving journey, a little preparation can go a long way. Ensure your vehicle is serviced, checking fluids, tires, and brakes. An emergency kit equipped to handle flat tires or cold weather can be a lifesaver—literally. After all, the goal is to share a meal with family, not stories of roadside woes.
Now that you're armed with the knowledge of the worst days to drive this Thanksgiving, how will you plan your trip? Do you have any travel tips or secrets that have served you well over the years? Share your insights, questions, or anecdotes in the comments below!
As the scent of pumpkin pie and turkey fills the air, so does the collective groan of millions of Americans stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Is there a way to navigate the holiday rush with ease and grace?
According to AAA, the transportation advocacy group that has been guiding travelers for over a century, Thanksgiving 2024 is shaping up to be a record-breaker.
AAA predicts Thanksgiving 2024 could be the busiest yet for travel, with an estimated 80 million people on the move. Image source: Pexels.
An estimated 80 million people are expected to journey by car, plane, or train to gather with loved ones—a 1.7 million increase from the previous year. With such a surge in travel, knowing when to hit the road and when to enjoy another slice of pie at home is crucial.
If you're planning to travel by car, you'll want to mark your calendar with some strategic planning. AAA, in collaboration with transportation data experts INRIX, has pinpointed the days and times when traffic will likely be at its peak.
The Tuesday (11/26) and Wednesday (11/27) afternoons before Thanksgiving are expected to be particularly congested. It seems everyone has the same idea: leave work early and beat the rush.
Unfortunately, this mass exodus creates the very traffic we're all trying to avoid. If you must travel on these days, aim to complete your journey before 10 a.m. EST, when the roads are still relatively clear.
As for the return journey, the early bird doesn't necessarily get the worm. Friday morning, between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., is predicted to be a hotbed of traffic as people rush to return home.
The roads should become more manageable after 1 p.m., so consider taking that time to digest your Thanksgiving feast a bit longer before setting off.
If you're planning to leave on Saturday, be wary of the 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. window, as it's prime time for traffic jams. Departing before 1 p.m. is your best bet for a smoother ride.
Monday, the day after Thanksgiving weekend, is expected to be the grand finale of traffic troubles. With holiday travelers merging with the regular Monday morning commuters, the roads will be a symphony of honking horns and brake lights. If Monday is your day of departure, either leave before the rooster crows (before 8 a.m.) or wait until the evening lull (after 7 p.m.).
Interestingly, the best time to travel might just be on Thanksgiving Day itself. While it may seem counterintuitive, most people prefer to have their travel wrapped up by the time the turkey is carved. This leaves the roads more open for those willing to drive on the holiday.
Of course, these recommendations come with a catch: weather can be a wildcard. Snow, rain, and other inclement conditions can throw a wrench in the best-laid plans. Always check the local forecasts before solidifying your itinerary.
And for those in or traveling through major metropolitan areas, expect the unexpected. Traffic delays are a given, so stay informed with traffic apps or local news updates.
Before you embark on your Thanksgiving journey, a little preparation can go a long way. Ensure your vehicle is serviced, checking fluids, tires, and brakes. An emergency kit equipped to handle flat tires or cold weather can be a lifesaver—literally. After all, the goal is to share a meal with family, not stories of roadside woes.
Now that you're armed with the knowledge of the worst days to drive this Thanksgiving, how will you plan your trip? Do you have any travel tips or secrets that have served you well over the years? Share your insights, questions, or anecdotes in the comments below!
